Mario Balotelli out of Player of the Year contest after Arsenal and Man Utd fans meddle

A campaign was started by Arsenal and Manchester United fans on Twitter to vote for the Anfield flop, who has scored just one Premier League goal in 13 appearances since joining from AC Milan for £16m.

He was on course to pick up the prize until being removed as an option - genuine fans looking to crown him as their star man will, no doubt, be gutted.

Every first team player is in the running for the prize including back-up keeper Danny Ward and youngsters Jordan William and Jordan Rossiter, who are yet to play for the club in the top-flight.

But Italy international Balotelli's absence is notable.

NOT AN OPTION: Balotelli is not on the list [LIVERPOOL]

And fans were quick to comment on Liverpool's decision to remove him from the contest.

One Everton fan taunted: "@FinallyMario I believe you have been removed by @LFC from the running for player of the season but Lambert still there... Your thoughts?"

A United supported joked: "Wait, Balotelli removed from Liverpool POTY shortlist??? WE MUST FIGHT THIS INJUSTICE @FinallyMario."

OUT OF THE RUNNING: Mario Balotelli has been removed as a voting option [AFP]